This supplementary report to Disability Advocacy by the Numbers:Statistics from July 2012 to June 2016 outlines some of the data integrity issues DARU encountered in compiling the report. It should be read in conjunction with the main report.

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Executive Summary

This supplementary report to Disability Advocacy by the Numbers outlines some of the data integrity issues DARU encountered in compiling the report. It should be read in conjunction with the main report.

DARU has provided this supplementary report specifically to inform both administrators and funded agencies of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Program of the nature of these data integrity difficulties, and help suggest improvements to data collection that may avoid these problems in the future.

This report is published at a time when the Victorian Disability Advocacy Program has recently been reviewed, and the Victorian government had made specific commitments to improving the administration and management of the program, including:

more effective measurement of demand and outcomes

building stronger links with other safeguarding mechanisms, and

simplifying administrative requirements for funded organisations.

DARU has identified a number of areas where data collection can be improved, including

Clearly understanding the purpose of collecting data and what it will be used for

DARU looks forward to working with the Office for Disability and funded disability advocacy organisations to discuss these issues and help improve measurement and data collection in the future.

Acronyms

DARU – Disability Advocacy Resource Unit

DAV – Disability Advocacy Victoria

DHHS – Department of Health and Human Services

NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme

QDC – Quarterly Data Collection

VCOSS – Victorian Council of Social Services

Printing instructions

This report is 24 pages and should be printed as a booklet in full auto colour for best effect using the downloads provided below. To arrange free delivery of professionally printed copies, Contact DARU on 9639 5807.